AN43

2 January 2017 It is hard to believe that I am reaching the end of my first term here at Abingdon. The time has simply flown by and I am very grateful to everyone who has made me and my family feel so welcome at this great school. It has been fascinating to sample what goes on here and to begin to understand the people and structures that make up our organisation. I’ve hugely enjoyed the opportunity to dip into many events this term. I have been struck by the sheer diversity of what is on offer and by the enjoyment that our pupils derive from the activities that make up the Other Half, as well as the excellent standards that many of them achieve. My personal highlights this term have been events which have brought the whole school together. There was great anticipation leading up to House Singing, and some trepidation too to be completely honest, but it was fantastic to see every single pupil contributing enthusiastically to his House, imaginative arrangements of familiar songs and energetic and charismatic leadership from the various conductors. Another particular highlight earlier in the term was the Charathon. The whole school embraced this challenge and it was a great way to spend the day, talking to pupils and staff as we enjoyed the beautiful landscape, in the process raising money for three excellent causes. There was a real spirit of bonhomie and camaraderie as we walked along the Thames, which underlined to me the strong sense of community that underpins life at Abingdon. All in all, it’s been a really exciting few months, and I look forward to many more highlights to come. Michael Windsor Headmaster From the Headmaster Mr Craig Williams has been appointed Headmaster of Abingdon Prep from September 2017 when Crispin Hyde-Dunn moves on to the headship of The Dragon School, Oxford. Since 2013 Craig has been the Senior Deputy Head at Thorngrove School. Craig is an accomplished sportsman, who represented Oxford University at 2nd XI level at both cricket and football, and he continues to enjoy playing cricket. Other interests include golf, historical novels and Manchester United. Speaking about the appointment, Mike Windsor, said, ‘We attracted a very strong field of applicants for this post, and in Craig we have found a candidate who has a superb understanding of prep school education and who will lead our Prep School with skill and verve.’ New Headmaster for Abingdon Prep Abingdon News A warm welcome in Hong Kong The School hosted its annual reception at the Excelsior Hotel in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, for current, previous and prospective parents as well as alumni and other friends of the School. The Headmaster flew out for a very brief visit to interview boys and to address the evening reception. He gave some insights into his first impressions of Abingdon before leaping back onto a plane to return to School in time to open the new Multi Use Sports Area. A whistle-stop tour indeed!